Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that administers Medicare and works with states to run Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It also oversees the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace and helps people find coverage options through About the Health Insurance Marketplace.

This section explains how these programs work in everyday life, including the basic differences between Medicare and Medicaid, how Marketplace plans are chosen, and who may qualify for Medicaid in your state.

Medicare: Coverage, Costs, and Plan Choices

CMS sets rules and payment rates for Medicare, including Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. Learn more about yearly payment updates in CMS Sets Medicare Advantage Rates Annually. Here’s How., plan types in Medicare Part C Explained and Navigating Your Choices: A Guide to Medicare Advantage Plans, and costs in Understanding Medicare Part A Costs.

For prescription coverage, see Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage. CMS also sets coverage rules for services such as dental and vision care.